HEALTH CAMPS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 12, 15 January 1934, Page 3

HEALTH CAMPS.

CHILDREN AT PORT WAIKATO

INSPECTION BY MINISTER;

Tlic Children's Health Camp at Port Waikato was visited last week by the Minister of Health, the Hon. J. A. Young, who was given a rousing welcome bv the 210 children, selected by the \\ aikato Children's Camp League from homes in the Waikato district, who have been in camp for the past fortnight They are under the care of Mrs. C. H. Ross, Mr. W. H. Paul and Mrs. H. D. Cobb, the latter acting as ambulance officer. They are assisted by 15 boys and girls chosen from the prefects of the Hamilton High School and Technical School, scholars being known as "uncles" and "aunties" by the children under canvas. The organisation of the camp is remarkable. For instance, at meal times, the children assemble outside the dining room and march in to music to their places at the table, and within two or three minutes they are enjoying a generous and well cooked meal. At eac 1 table 14 children sit with a prefect at the head, and grace is said before the commencement of each meal. A few of the inmates are small, and have not been in cood health, but after two weeks in camp tliev have shown much improvement, and from the fact that 701b of beef, two sugar sacks of potatoes, a copper full of peas, and 27 large loaves are used during the main meal, it can be seen that there is nothing wrong with their appetites, 1< or the evening meal 301b of jam are consumed. After the mid-day meal an hour s rest is compulsory. The children spend this hour in or about the -dormitories or in the beautiful bush near the camp. The children presented a concert to mark the Minister's visit. In a happV speech Mr. Young told the children how much ho had enjoyed both their welcome and their entertainment, and complimented them on their behaviour and their loyalty to those in charge of the camp. He impressed upon the children the truth in one of the mottoes hung in the hall, "The best wealth is health," and told them of the necessity of sunshine and fresh air. cleanliness, and plenty of sleep. Each child received a chocolate ice, the gift of a Hamilton visitor,' and after the Minister's departure, those in camp departed with tlieir "uncles" and their "aunts" to indulge in swimming in the safe waters inside the Waikato Bar. Tlu Minister also paid a visit to the Y.M.C.A. camp, where 21 boys from the Y.M.C.A. at Hamilton are spending a holiday under the care of Mr. and Mrs. L. Cato.